ICE CREAM PARLOUR & COFFEE SHOP

BRIDGNORTH, SHROPSHIRE

REF: IP4127D PRICE: Offers in the region of £42,000 + s.a.v. LEASEHOLD ~ LOCK UP

LOCATION

This business occupies two attractive adjoined shop units, which are full of character and back onto a sandstone rock face. There is a cave in the rock that is incorporated into the premises and could be used as an additional display area. Caves were used as dwellings for many years in Bridgnorth.

The town is situated on the banks of the river Severn and is a major attraction for tourist and also a main stop for the famous Severn Valley Steam Railway. Built in two parts, it has a high and low town and this business is perfectly situated just off the high street, in a scenic road which connects the high and low town. This was the only route down for carts until 1786, hence its name.

A water driven funicular railway was opened in 1892 to connect the two areas and is still in use today, now driven by electricity. This is very popular with tourists and the upper station for this railway is very close to the business. The railway, combined with the history attached to the road, attracts the many tourists who visit Bridgnorth in addition to the locals, making this possibly one of the best locations for this type of business in the town.

THE BUSINESS

Until recently, this was run as a ‘dual’ business with the ice cream parlour & coffee room running alongside an antique/bric-a-brac business. The current owners have, however, decided to concentrate on the sale of ice creams, teas, coffees and snacks as their primary business. There still remains the facility to display other retail items for sale ~ perhaps local souvenir ware (new /or antique); perhaps locally produced items e.g jewellery, art work or pottery ~ if new owners have an interest in certain collectibles this hobby could be developed into a business.

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Jonathan Ward | Business Broker Tel: 0845 299 0158

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The new owners have been trading for only a short time and do not therefore have accounts. However, they will be happy to discuss current takings and potentials (this would include information they have from the previous owner).

SERVICE OFFERED

The owners pride themselves on the fact that as much produce as possible is sourced locally.

≈ The magnificent choice of up to 14 flavours of ice cream are all produced by a farmer from the Shropshire/Worcestershire borders, using milk from his own dairy herd.

≈ Breads, cakes, scones, biscuits & savouries ~ are all from the local baker

≈ Meats, pies, sausage rolls etc are from local shops

On offer are:

≈ the wide range of ice creams

≈ cold drinks including the ever popular ‘cream soda’

≈ small cakes, scones etc

≈ hot drinks including a selection of Italian coffees, teas & hot chocolate

≈ warm pies, sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches & soup

Customers do not tend to stay too long as no large meals are on offer, just the snacks, tea, coffee and ice creams.

THE PROPERTY

There are two front facing windows, the one in the ice cream side being an attractive bay. There are also two doors the one to the extreme left giving direct access to:-

THE ICE CREAM PARLOUR SALES AREA:

Approx. 4.88m x 4.57m (16’ x 15’) The shop has painted floor boards, oak beams, emulsioned walls and ample lighting provided by the large bay window and ceiling spot lights. The area is well equipped with:

≈ 2 large serve-over ice cream freezers

≈ 1 tall, upright chiller display unit

≈ 1 upright freezer located under work surface

≈ stainless steel double sink & drainer unit with work surface and 3 built in fridges beneath

≈ above the sink unit is a mirrored wall fixture with shelving for display & storage

≈ a coffee grinder & ‘La Spaziale’ coffee machine

≈ pie warmer & microwave

≈ small table and chairs

A door from the sales area leads to a HALLWAY approx 1.82m x 2.13m (6’ x 7’) from which is access to:-

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COFFEE SHOP SEATING AREA Approx 4.88m x 3.05m (16’ x 10’)

This room has tables with seating for approx 14 people. A dresser and china cabinet are used for display as is an inbuilt shelf. Lighting is by ceiling spots and the original floorboards have been painted.

From the hallway, to one side is the second door leading to the street and opposite this is a passage - approx 3.05m x 1.22m (10’ x 4’) with oak beams, storage & shelving. This leads to the rear of the premises to an area approx 9.45m x 4.27m (31’ x 14’) where there are two caves, (one is not in use but the other has previously been used as an additional showroom) a STAFF TOILET & a washbasin alcove. The area linking the shop building and the caves is covered with a transparent roof and can also used for displaying and storing stock.

Also accessed from the entrance hall are the flats above the shops which are not included in the sale, but all the business doors can be locked, providing full security.

Although not included as part of the lease, the landlord has allowed the owners of the business access to the CELLAR where they have an upright and a chest freezer.

HOURS Daily 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

STAFF Owners with one part time assistant.

TENURE On a fully renewable lease, with a rent of £7,000 pa.

RATES The vendor informs us that the rates payable are £1,274pa. However, a reduction is pending for small business rate relief.

LEGAL FEES Vendors and purchasers to meet their own contractual costs; the purchaser to meet the landlord’s costs in establishing or transferring the lease.

PRICE £42,000 LEASEHOLD for the Goodwill, Fixtures, Fittings, Equipment, and the Leasehold interest.

STOCK To be sold separately at valuation - £1,500 approx.

VIEWING Strictly by appointment through Lakey & Co. as staff, suppliers and customers are not aware of the sale, so confidentiality must be maintained.

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AGENT'S COMMENTS

This interesting business is ideally situated, being close to the funicular railway exit and on the main walking route from top town to lower town, but it is also visible from the high street.

The ice cream and snack bar side are easily operated. The ability to also introduce a retail element to suit the new owners gives flexibility to develop the additional business whilst having income from the established element. Although the working hours span seven days in the summer, but the profit should be sufficient for part time help to be engaged.

The current owners will be more than happy to explain their reasons for the unfortunate need to put this business back on the market so soon after their acquisition. Overall this is a very attractive business. I would recommend an early viewing, so please do make contact on 0845 299 0158 and I’ll arrange it.

DISCLAIMER

Lakey & Co draw the attention of prospective Purchasers and those acting on behalf of prospective Purchasers to the following:

1. These Particulars do not constitute any part of an offer or a contract.

2. All statements contained in these Particulars are made without responsibility on the part of Lakey & Co or the Seller.

3. None of the statements contained in these Particulars is to be relied on as a statement or representation of fact.

4. Any intending Purchasers must satisfy themselves, by inspection, or otherwise, as to the correctness of each of the

statements contained in these Particulars.

5. Seller does not make or give, and neither Lakey & Co, nor any person in our employment, has any authority to make, or

give any representation or warranty whatever, in relation to this transaction.

6. While these Particulars are provided in good faith, we are not surveyors or accountants, and we have not tested any

fixtures, fittings, equipment, services or other facilities, and cannot say if they are in working order or suitable. You should

rely on your own inspection and that of your surveyor. Similarly, you should rely on you own investigation of the

accounts, and that of your accountant.

7. Property dimensions are given for guidance only, and you must satisfy yourself as to the accuracy of the measurements.

8. The ownership or use of fixtures, fittings and equipment may be subject to permission from or payment to other parties

(e.g. landlords, hire companies, etc.).

D B Brain

October 2010 Issue: 1